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6 





HISTORICAL ADDRESS, 



RELATING TO THE 



= 



COUNTY OF BROOME 



IN THE STATE OF 



]SrE^V\^ YORK. 



Delivered at Binghamton, July 3, 1876, 



GEORGE BURR, M. D. 



Published under the Direction of the Committee of 
Arrangements. 



IE 

= 



BINOHAMTON : 

CARL, STOPPARD & CO., STEAM JOB PRINTERS. 

1876. 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS, 



RELATING TO THE 



COUNTY OF BROOME 



IN THE STATE OF 



ISTE^W YORK. 



Delivered at Binghamton, July 3, 1876, 

BY 

GEORGE BURR, M. D. 



Published under the Direction of the Committee of 
Arrangements. 




BINGHAMTON: 

CARL, STOPPARD & CO., STEAM JOB PRINTERS 

1876. 






EISTORIC/L /BD^USS 



relatixct to the 



COUNTY OF BROOME, 

BY 

GEO. BUER, M. D. 



To my Fellow Citizens of the County of Broome : 

It having been recommended by a joint resolution of the 
Senate and House of Eepresentatives, addressed to the people 
of the States, "that they assemble in their several Counties or 
Towns on the Centennial Anniversary of our National Inde- 
pendence ; and that they cause to have delivered on such day 
an historical sketch of said County or Town, from its founda- 
tion, and that a copy of said sketch may be filed in print or 
manuscript in the Clerk's Office of said County, and an addi- 
tional copy in print or manuscript be filed in the Office of the 
Librarian of Congress, to the intent that a complete record may 
thus be obtained of the progress of our institutions during the 
first Centennial of their existence," — and the same having been 
promulgated by the President of the United States, by procla- 
mation bearing date " the 25th day of May, in the year of our 
Lord 1876, and of the independence of the United States the 
one hundredth," — at the request of the appropriate Committee 
for making arrangements for this celebration, I have under- 
taken this duty ; and I now rise to submit for your considera- 



4 HISTOEICAL ADDRESS. 

tion, though in a manner somewhat desultory, such historical 
incidents and facts as I have been able to collect, relative to the 
early settlement and to the subsequent development of this 
County. 

A history of the County of Broome for the last century 
would include every change in its condition from that of a wild 
waste and an untamed forest to that of its present highly culti- 
vated condition. One hundred years ago to day, the area of 
land now included within the boundaries of this County was 
an unbroken wilderness — a region of solitude undisturbed by 
the footsteps of man, save now and then by a party of red men, 
engaged in hunting or intent upon the war path. Its present 
cultivated hills, and its rich productive valleys, were then cov- 
ered with the primeval forests, through which roamed the pan- 
ther, the bear, the wolf, the deer, and other species of wild an- 
imals. This entire region was then the hunting grounds of 
various tribes of Indians, chiefly of the Six Nations, who, as you 
well know, had their villages and council fires in the central 
portion of our State. Here likewise may have been encounter- 
ed parties of the Algonquin tribes, from the central portion of 
Pennsylvania. There were no lodges nor permanent villages 
in this jDart of the country, unless, perhaps, one at Ouquaga. 
We hear of the old Indian castle situate within a few miles of 
this jDlace, but there is no evidence or reason to believe that it 
was in any way used as a permanent residence, as were tl\e vil- 
lages of the Iroquois nations in another section of the State. 

We cannot inquire, for we have no records or legends to in- 
form us, of what may have transpired in the solitude of the 
wilderness while the savage tribes held sway. And yet the im- 
agination will picture before the mind scenes of thrilling per- 
sonal adventure, perhaps of intense suffering, of cruel practices 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 5 

— the torture of prisoners, and the exciting and hazardous 
chase, which under the shadow of the dense forest may have 
been enacted in localities we daily visit. Our very dwellings 
even may stand upon sites where some luckless Indian captive 
in years gone by has suffered all the tortures which the refined 
cruelty of the red man so well knew how to inflict. 

In order fully to comprehend the mighty change which a cen- 
tury has wrought, we must not confine our view to the com- 
paratively small space which our County only occupies ; but we 
must remember that one hundred years ago the entire settle- 
ments and population of the State of New York were confined 
to a belt of Counties on each side of the Hudson Eiver, extend- 
ing from the Island of Manhattan to the mouth of the Mohawk, 
and from thence extending up the valley of that river a distance 
not exceeding sixty miles. From the mouth of the Mohawk, 
northwardly, there was a chain of communication to the head 
of Lake George, thence down the Lake through Lake Champlain 
to Montreal. This communication was the old route during 
the French war, and at first was strictly a line of military posts, 
such as Fort Edward, Fort William Henry and Fort Ticonda- 
roo-a. After the close of the French war, settlements to a great- 
er or less extent were scattered along the route, though they 
were very feeble, and in many respects defenceless. 

Passing up the Mohawk, standing on what is now the village 
of Eome, was Fort Stanwix, then the farthest outlying, and the 
remotest military post in the State. It guarded the portage be- 
tween the Mohawk river and the Oneida Lake, so that commu- 
nication might be kept open between the settlements and Lake 
Ontario. 

In the region south of the Mohawk and west of the Hudson 
river tier of Counties, extending to the Lakes, an unbroken 



6 HISTOEICAL ADDRESS. 

wilderness — one waste of woods tmd sky — was only to be seen. 
True, there was at Cherry Valley, and I think at Harpersfield, 
now in Delaware County, small settlements, which had recently 
heen commenced, but they were early in the war destroyed by 
the Indians under Brandt. In no other portion of this vast re- 
gion could a white man be found. 

The County of Broome was organized by an Act of the Leg- 
islature passed March 28th, 1806, and was formed from Tioga 
County. It was named in honor of John Broome, then Lieut. 
Governor — Morgan Lewis being Governor of the State. In re- 
sponse to this compliment, Lieut. Governor Broome had de- 
signed, prepared and presented to the County, the silver seal 
long in use at the Clerk's Office, and which I in common with 
other former Clerks, have so often employed in attesting papers. 
The beautiful design still remains the seal of this County, though 
1 iK'lieve it Itecame necessary some years ago to have it engraved 
upon a new Ijlock. 

I have said that our County was taken from a portion of Tiogji 
County, of which, until that time, it had formed a part. The 
])etter to understand the manner and order in which the coun- 
ties were organized, it may be well to call attention to the fact 
that at the beginning of the Revolution the County of Mont- 
gomery, then called Tryon County, extended westwardly and 
south westwardly to an indefinite extent ; the whole territory of 
Central and Southern New York being included in its unde- 
fined limits. From the southwestern portion of this region the 
County of Tioga was erected in 1791. At the time of its 
organization it included within its territory all of what is now 
the County of Broome, a portion of the County of Chenango, 
a portion of Tompkins, and the whole of Chemung. It will be 
seen from this statement that the two principal cities in the 
Southern Tier were once in the same Countv ; and it mav be 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 7 

further stated that courts were held for the County in both 
phices, a part of the time at Chenango Point, now Binghamton, 
and at other times at Newtown, now Elmira. In 1806 the 
County of Broome was erected from the eastern portion of this 
territory. At that time it not only included the territory now 
within its boundaries, but also the towns of Owego and Berk- 
shire in Tioga County. These two towns remained attached 
to the County of Broome until 1821, when they were set back 
to the County of Tioga. It was while these two towns were a 
part of Broome County that the following incident occurred : 
A citizen of Chenango Point was a candidate before the people 
for some County office, and desirous of success as a matter of 
course, he sent a friend over into Berkshire for the purpose of 
advancing his interests by calling upon the voters and asking 
their support. After an absence of three or four days the friend 
returned and reported tliat he had seen all the voters, that the 
prospect was very favorable, and that everything was all right. 
The election took place, and when the returns were received it 
was found that the candidate in this place had received but one 
vote in the entire town. Meeting his quondam friend the next 
day he dryly observed to him that " there must have been one 
man over in Berkshire that he did not see." 

At the time of the organization of the County, the territory 
now comprising it consisted 'only of the towns of Union, Lisle 
and Chenango. The town of Union extended from the Penn- 
sylvania hne to the south line of the town of Lisle and com- 
prised what are now the towns of Vestal, Union and Maine. 
The town of Lisle was wont to be called the State of Lisle, on 
account of its great extent of territory. It included the present 
towns of Nanticoke, Lisle, Triangle and Barker. The remain- 
ing portion of the County was known as the town of Cbenango. 
This, for a single town, was a large territory, for it included 



8 HISTOKICAL ADDRESS. 

every acre east of tlie Chenango river and a strip of land on its 
west side a mile or more in width, and which extended to the 
Pennsylvania line. One year thereafter, however, the town of 
Windsor was erected. This new town included within its 
limits what are now the towns of Windsor, Colesville and San- 
ford, The towns of Colesville and Sanford were formed from 
Windsor on the 2d day April, 1821. Vestal was next separated 
from Union in January, 1823, and Conklin from Chenango in 
March, 1824. A part of Windsor was taken off in March, 
1824, and a further portion was annexed to Conklin from Wind- 
sor in 1851. Nanticoke, Triangle and Barker were formed out 
of the old State of Lisle in 1831 ; Maine from Union in 1848 ; 
the towns of Binghamton and Port Crane (the latter now 
changed to Fenton) from Chenango in December, 1855 ; and 
Kirk wood from Conklin in November, 1859. 

The City of Binghamton was included in the old town of 
Chenango, and for all town jonrposes was a portion of that 
town and the more recently erected town of Binghamton, until 
it was chartered a city. It was first incorporated a village, 
with certain municipal powers, in May, 1834, since which time, 
under various amended charters, it remained an incorporated 
village until April 9, 18G7, when, by an act of the Legislature, 
its corporate character was changed to that of a city. 

The County of Broome is centrally situate in the southern 
tier of Counties in the State of New York, bordering on the 
State of Pennsylvania. Its southern boundary is the Pennsyl- 
vania line ; on the east it is bounded mostly by the County of 
Delaware ; on the north by the Counties of Chenango and 
Cortland ; and on the west by the County of Tioga. Its area 
contains about eight hundred square miles. 

Topographically considered, it has a southern inclination. 
Its surface is a succession of liills and valleys. The ranges of 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 9 

hills and most of the valleys have a direction from south to 
north. The hills are what are known as the Alleghany table 
lands — the dwindling away of that range of high mountains in 
the State of Pennsylvania, in a north-easterly direction, to dis- 
appear at the southern border of the Mohawk valley, or to 
terminate in the Catskill range, on the west of the Hudson 
river. 

The drainage of the County, with the exception of a part of 
the Town of Sanford, is to the Susquehanna river. This river 
enters the County from the north-east, and takes a southerly 
direction for about twenty-five miles, when it leaves the County 
as well as the State, and enters Pennsylvania. It soon, how- 
ever, as if conscious of its inability to break through the barrier 
of mountains which stand directly in its way, changes its direc- 
tion to the west for some ten miles, when, as if discouraged 
likewise in that direction, it turns again to the north, and re- 
enters the County of Broome. This is the Great Bend of the 
Susquehanna River. 

The Susquehanna now seems better satisfied, for after keeping 
a northerly course for about ten miles it changes again to the 
west, when after being reinforced by the Chenango Eiver at the 
point where we are now assembled, and farther on by the Nan- 
ticoke and Owego Creeks, it at length receives the Chemung 
River, when, as if conscious of its increased volume and power, 
it boldly approaches the mountains thi"ough which it now makes 
its way to the Wyoming Valley. 

The other principal rivers and streams of the County are the 
Chenango River from the north-east, the Tioughnioga River 
from the north-west, the Otselic River, which occupying a mid- 
dle situation, empties into the Tioughnioga at Whitney's Point, 
and the Nanticoke Creek in the western part of the County. 



10 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 

The settlement of the County by the whites did not begin 
until some years after the close of the Revolutionary War — 
and then there seemed to be a simultaneous movement to occupy" 
lands in different parts of the County. 

Capt. Joseph Leonard has tlie reputation of being the first 
white man who settled within its boundaries. He came into 
the Chenango valley in the year 1787. It is true that some 
years before this, three or four white persons had been sent out 
by Eev. Jonathan Edwards, then I Ijelieve of Northampton. 
Mass., among whom was his own son, to the Indian settlement 
at Ouquaga, now Windsor, for the purpose of studying the hab- 
its, acquiring the manners, and learning the language of the 
Indians, with a view to future missionary efforts in their behalf ; 
and that they remained at Ouquaga for two or three years. 
These persons, however, were not settlers in any sense of the 
word. 

Following the settlement of Chenango by Capt. Leonard in 
1787, Ouquaga, Lisle and Union appear to have been settled 
the year after. At Ouquaga the first pioneers were John 
Doolittle, David Hotchkiss and John Garnsey. At Lisle, or its 
vicinity, the first settler seems to have been one Lampeer, fol- 
lowed the next year by Gen. John Patterson, one of the original 
members of the Boston Company, and shortly after by Ebenezer 
Tracy, Edward Edwards and David Manning. At ITnion and 
its immediate neighborhood came Joshua Mersereau, John Mer- 
sereau. Gen. Oringh Stoddard, Capt. William Brink, Moses 
Chambers, Ezekiel Crocker, Oliver Crocker, Amos Patterson, 
Medad Bradley, Elisha Bradley, Daniel Seymour, David Barney, 
Daniel Price, and others. 

These i)oints formed the nuclei of more extended settlements 
and larger improvements. Slowly and by degrees, as the years 



HISTOKICAL ADDRESS. 11 

])assed by, the number of settlers in the vicinity of these places 
increased, the forests gave way before them, and improved land 
began to be seen. The smoke, rising from the log huts of set- 
tlers, could be observed above tlie tree tops in different directions, 
and the resounding blows of the woodman's axe and the crash 
of falling trees, gave evidence of a sturdy purpose to ovei'come 
the obstacles of the forest, and to bring out and utilize the re- 
sources of the land. 

One might here stop and inquire, what influences induced so 
many to leave the comijaratively cultivated portions of the east- 
ern States, and take up with the rude manners, the great in- 
conveniences and the imminent dangers of a frontier life, such 
as the first settlers of our own County encountered. In answer 
it may be remarked, that a man usually turns his face from the 
old to the new. Some indescribable influence excites him to ad- 
venture, and in this way largo masses of men are impelled for- 
ward to bring about results, or, if you so please to term it, the 
designs of Providence, without their knoAving why or wherefore, 
or being aware of the consequences, however momentous, that 
may depend u])on their movements. The tide of humanity 
from its earliest period has been directed from the rising towards 
the setting sun. The Asiatics went west to people Europe ; 
Eneas went west when, after the sack of Troy, lie sought a new 
home, and laid the foundations of the lofty walls of Rome; 
the Saxons went west to conquer the Britons ; Columbus also 
sailed west to discover America ; and the people of this country 
have, from its first settlement, l^eeu pushing forward in the same 
direction, until now their progress has been arrested only by the 
waves of the Pacific Ocean. The idea of "go west, young man," 
is thousands of years older than the life-time of Horace Greeley. 

The most efficient cause that invited immigration into this 
County was undoubtedly the efforts of those who had obtained 



12 HISTOEICAL ADDKESS. 

grants or patents of land. It had been, many years before, the 
policy of the Home Government, for the Crown to issue grants of 
extensive tracts of land — the Van Rensselaer and the Living- 
ston grants being examples. The Colonial Government did the 
same, and the State, after assuming the functions of an Inde- 
pendent Power, followed the same practice. Grants or patents 
of large tracts of land were consequently issued to various per- 
sons, who after having procured the proper surveys, invited pur- 
chasers to buy and to settle upon their lands. It is from these 
sources — these land patents — that the land titles in our County 
are derived. 

The most extensive grant of land in the County was to an as- 
sociation of men in Massachusetts, called the Boston Company, 
who purchased a tract situate between the Chenango River and 
the Owego Creek, containing about 230,000 acres. This tract 
has been known and referred to in deeds of conveyance as the 
Boston Purchase. There were several townships into which a 
part of the purchase was divided — the townships of Chenango 
and Nanticoke being within the County of Broome. The north- 
ern portion of the purchase is known as the "Grand Division," 
so that the deeds of the present landholders in that part of the 
County describe the land as such and such lots either in the 
Chenango township, the Nanticoke township, or in the Grand 
Division of the Boston Purchase. A large proportion of the 
settlers upon the Boston Purchase were Massachusetts people, 
and were induced undoubtedly to take up lands there tlirough 
the influence of the proprietors, one of whom. Gen. John Pat- 
terson, set the example by locating at or near what is noAV Whit- 
ney's Point. 

The next patent, and i)erhaps the first in importance on ac- 
count of its location, was that granted to William Bingham, a 
merchant of Philadelphia. This was a strip of land one mile 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS, 13 

wide on each side of the river, extending up and down the val- 
ley of the Susquehanna. The City of Binghamton is built upon 
land included in this patent, and the City bears the name of 
the original patentee. Bingham-ton is the name of this City. 
The interpolation of the odious p, which is often made in writ- 
ing the word, does injustice to the original proprietor of the 
land, and to a certain extent a benefactor of the place. Hence 
the sensitiveness of our people upon this point. 

Mr. Bingham, as has been remarked, when he came into 
possession of this patent, was a merchant of Philadelphia, but, 
about the year 1800, he left there and returned to England, 
where he shortly after died. By his will his lands were placed 
in the hands of five trustees, who assumed the charge, and they 
have since executed the deeds of conveyance to purchasers. Two 
•of these trustees were the firm of Baring Brothers, in London, 
Alexander Baring, afterwards Lord Ashburton, and Henry 
Baring, his brother. They both married daughters of Mr. 
Bingham. 

The patent boi-dering on Mr. Bingham's on the east, or up 
the valleys, is known as Tnomas' Patent ; on the west, down the 
river, we come to a tract purchased by Hooper and Wilson, and 
the patent bears their name. This extends to the Tioga County 
line. 

On the north of Bingham's Patent, and east of the Chenango 
River, is the tract known as Clinton and Melchers Patent, 
Farther north is that granted to Jay and Rutherford. Harpur's 
Patent is situate in and about the villages of Nineveh, Harpurs- 
ville and Centerville, and down the river beyond is Hammond's 
Patent. Nichol's Patent lies east of the Susquehanna, between 
Windsor and Deposit. There are other and smaller patents of 
land granted by the State situate in this County, but the fore- 
going constitute the most important ones. 



14 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 

Mr. Robert Harpur, the proprietor of Harpnr's Patent, like- 
wise set the example of living npon the lands he had purchased? 
and which he offered to settlers. The grant of land containing 
20,000 acres was made to him in 1786, and in 1795 he removed 
with his family from the City of New York, where he had been 
a Professor in King's (now Columbia) College, to take up his 
residence in the rude settlements of the frontier. He had like- 
wise filled the office of Deputy Secretary of State, and he is 
usually spoken of as Secretary Harpur. He was the father of 
the late John Warren Harpur, Eobert Harpur and Mrs. Rev. 
Dr. Andrews, all of whom were well known to our older citizens. 

The first settlers of this County came from different parts of 
the country. Those who took up land in the Boston Purchase 
were, as has been remarked, generally from the State of Massa- 
chusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Vermont 
each had their representatives here. Another class came from 
the eastern counties of this State, and from New York City. 

The character of the early settlers of tliis County did not vary 
much from that which usually characterizes all frontiersmen. 
Almost every locality had its " Billy Kirby,-'"and very many each 
its ''Squire Doolittle ;" and occasionally one would meet with a 
" Richard Jones."' The great mass of those who first settled the 
County came for the ])nrpose of "bettering their condition.'' 
and were men and women of strong determination and will. 
The land they had taken up they proposed not only clear and 
fit for cultivation, but to pay for it, and to own the homes they 
had chosen in the new settlements. Their houses and barns 
were generally built of logs ; but these, when they were proper- 
ly constructed, were very warm and comfortable. The houses 
usually were built with but one room, which answered the pur- 
poses of parlor, bedroom and kitchen. A large fire-place usually 
occupied the whole of one side of the house. This, when well 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 15 

filled with bliizing wood, as was always the case on a winter's 
evening, cast a cheerful glow and a pleasing warmth over the 
entire household, and often afforded sufficient light for the 
various employments of the family. One of my first essais in 
life was to teach a common school in a district which had not 
then put off its frontier character. The school liouse was built 
of logs, and so were most of the dwellings of the residents, and 
as usual constructed with only one room. In one corner of the 
room was the bed occupied by the husband and wife ; in tiie 
corner opposite was the bed of the schoolmaster ; and between 
the two was a trundle bed for the children. 

The houses of the settlers were seldom in close proximity to 
each other ; often there would be a distance of a mile or more 
between the nearest neighbors. The means of communication 
between neighboring dwellings at first were only foot-paths 
through the woods, or if any attempt had been made towards 
constructing a road, it was only to cut away the trees and brush 
so that a team of oxen could pass. 

The settler, on taking up his land, first made an opening in 
the forest, whereon he could erect his " log cabin." This ac- 
complished, he proceeded to enlarge the opening by falling the 
surrounding trees, and in due time sufficient space was obtain- 
ed, or, in the parlance of the day, a " clearing " was commenced. 
To get rid of the superfluous wood, the trunks of the trees were 
cut into suitable lengths, drawn together into large piles and 
set on fire. This was the process of logging. 

While the husband and father was thus engaged in subduing 
the forest, the wife and mother had no less important duties 
on her hands. It was her province to bear the children, to 
take the best care of them she could, to prepare the food, to 
manufacture the material of which their clothing was made, 



IG HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 

and generally to make the garments for the entire family. These 
garments probably were not always of a quality and fashion to 
excite the admiration of a Chesterfield or of a Beau Brummell ; 
but they answered every necessaiy purpose, and long before one 
of them was cast aside as worn out, it presented, from frequent 
patching of its most exposed ^"'arts, a decidedly variegated ap- 
pearance ; and very often, from this cause, the attire of both 
men and women assumed as great a variety of hues as did 
Joseph's coat of many colors. 

It must be remembered, that at this time the cotton gin had 
not been invented ; that the reign of this product had not then 
commenced. India cottons were 60 or 70 cents per yard, and 
the settlers were too poor to buy them for ordinary or everyday 
wear. The usual fabric for summer use — the drap (fete' of the 
woods — was made of tow, and was manufactured in the house. 
A tow shirt and trowsers. Avith sometimes a loose frock of the 
same material, constituted a full pioneer dress. For fall and 
winter clothing, if the wolves spared sheep enough to furnish a 
supply of wool, a piece of woolen cloth, likewise spun and wo- 
ven in the house, was prepared. A portion of this was finished 
at the cloth dresser's, by being colored and pressed, for the use 
of the women ; the rest, by the process of fulling, was made 
into thicker and stronger cloth for the purposes of the men. 
Usually the scanty supply of the material, and the diflficulty and 
labor by which it was obtained, rendered the modern resort of 
a " pull back " to display the outlines of one's form quite un- 
necessary. There was no redundant material for the display of 
panniers or other devices of fashion ; no time to ]"tut it on, and 
no opportunity to exhibit it. 

The means of subsistence of the early settlers, though not in 
great variety, were ample. The forests were full of game, and 
the streams abounded in fish. Were it not for these provisions 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. IT 

of nature, the people must hav-e suffered for food. It was the 
work of some years to bring the land under sufficient cultiva- 
tion to produce the quantity requisite to supply the wants of a 
family. It was likewise at one time forty miles to a mill capa- 
ble of grinding grain into flour; the distance to be traversed on 
foot or by canoe. If the meat of any domestic animal was at 
any time used, it was generllly salted pork, purchased at some 
store, a few pounds at a time. Of fruits there were none, 
except such as grew wild — berries in their season, and wild 
grapes. A little patch, cultivated among the stumps with a 
hoe, would yield a scanty supply of potatoes, turnips, cabbage, 
&c. Tea was, perhaps, the only luxury indulged in at the 
table. This the good frontier matrons thought they must have, 
to solace their griefs and to exhilarate their spirits. But not 
all could afford even this, and substitutes were often resorted to, 
such as infusions of sage, and of the young and tender leaves of 
the birch. Sugar was early obtained by boiling the sap of the 
hard or sugar maple, {acer sacchariaum;) the season for making 
it being the early spring. The sap was collected by cutting a 
small notch in the tree, adjusting a spout, and in this way con- 
ducting it into pans or buckets, placed at the foot of the tree. 
The sap was boiled down until the sugar would "grain,"' as 
they termed it — i. e.. until the extractive matter became 
solidified by the evaporation of all the water which it con- 
tained. Sugar making was a season of hard work, yet it 
gave opportunity for many pleasant gatherings, especially to the 
younger people. Parties assembled when '•' sugaring off," were 
as enjoyable then as are the picnics and croquet amusements 
of the present day. 

In the absence of hay, animals were subsisted upon coarse 

straw, and by hrowsing, which consisted in cutting down soft 

maple trees durins: the latter part of the winter, and allowinn^ 
3 ^ 



IS HTSTORTCAL ADDRES-s 

the cattle to eat the tender twigs and the swoiien loaf uii~. In 
severe winters the whole time of the settler would be taken up 
in efforts to keep from starvation his stock of animals — gener- 
ally a few sheep, a yoke of oxen and perhaps a cow. 

These were some of the hardships and privations suffered 
more or less by the pioneer settlers ^of this County. But they 
came here with brave hearts, strong arms and ready hands, and 
it is to the indomitable courage, the hardy industry and 
the unflinching determination which they brought with them. 
that the wilderness has been transformed, and that the fertile 
valleys and well cultivated hills of our County present the pleas- 
ing aspect of to-day. All honor to the memory of the pioneer 
settlers ; for who of our modem young men would shoulder 
his axe and go forth to encounter and subdue the wilderness ? 

" 'Tis fitting we sbonld cherish their remembrance ever ju?" 
Their heroic toil, and stoic, and their high hopes and holv trasi : 
They the sons of pilgrim fathers, who had dared the wintrv wave, 
Trinmphed o'er the foe and famine, with stem aoala and spirits brave." 

The habits of the frontier people were of a social and kind 
nature, so far as their remote residences and incessant occupa- 
tions would permit. A sense of mutual dependence upon eaeh 
other under very many circumstances seemed to prevail, which 
effectually suppressed all attempts to get up feuds or quarrels. 
The security of life in the settlements, a necessity for making 
L'ununon cause in defence of each other, and many other per- 
ponal rights and pri\*ileges, were dependent upon a united sen- 
timent and the cordial co-operation of the settlers. Hence they 
cultivated friendly and neighborly relations, took a warm in- 
terest in each other's affairs, and when necessary rendered 
prompt assistance on all occasions of emergency, A practice 
prevailed of helping each other when one had a heavy piece of 
work to accomplish. For instance, if one of the settlers had a 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 19 

large logging on hand, which he was unable to do alone on ac- 
count of shortness of help or an insufficient team, he felt at 
liberty to appoint a" day and invite all his neighbors, far and 
near, to come with their teams to his assistance. This they 
always did, and a half day's work by all hands would accomp- 
lish more for the settler than he could do in a month single 
handed. It was the same when one wished to put up a log 
house or barn, work which he could not perform alone. His 
neighbors would turn out to his assistance, and in a few hours 
the heavy work would be completed. In putting up a log build- 
ing it was necessary to cut notches in the end of each log to tit 
corresponding notches in the log below and above. A chopper, 
therefore, to each comer was always selected to perform this 
work. This was the post of honor on such occasions, and the 
chopper who first got up his corner was the champion of the 
day. These gatherings were termed bees. They were alwavs 
occasions of hilarity and good feeling — the inevitable whisky 
jng was always present, and the affair terminated by a supper 
of such quality, and .-erved in such style, as the circumstances 
would allow. 

The sources of information to the settlers were very scantv. 
They had but few books — perhaps a Bible, and some scattering 
volumes which they had picked up. Of newspapers they had 
none. Information of what was transpiring in any part of the 
world could only be obtained by the accidental arrival of some 
new adventurer, or from some settler who. after makino- his 
way back to his old place of residence, had again returned to 
his new home. Their social gatherings were characterized by 
an interchange of news, such as one might hear in one direc- 
tion, and another in a different one, which, with a rehearsal of 
their own local and domestic affairs, formed the chief subjects 
of conversation. Information of current events seldom if ever 



20 HISTORICAL ADDRESS, 

reached the frontier settlements. There were no post routes 
nor i^ost offices for several 3'ears after the settlements were com- 
menced, and it was long before any regular postal communica- 
tion Avas established, and not oftener then than once in two 
weeks. To us, who in an hour can receive the result of a po- 
litical convention at Cincinnati or St. Louis by means of tele- 
graphic connection, it appears almost incredible that stirring 
events and important movements should take place and a por- 
tion of the people remain in entire ignorance of them. The 
news of the battles of Lexington, Concord and Bunker's Hill 
did not reach the remote settlements until long after those en- 
gagements had taken place. 

There were and could be no schools in the new settlements. 
In fact at the time when the settlements were first made in this 
section, the State had taken no action to pro-\dde for the in- 
struction of the children within its jurisdiction. It had organ- 
ized a University, had chartered Colleges and Academies, but 
had adopted no measures to promote a system of general instruc- 
tion. It was not until 1795 that any action was taken upon 
this subject. And when measures providing for public schools 
were carried into effect, they were entirely inoperative in the 
new settlements. The population was so sparse, the distance, 
always through dense woods, too great for small children to as- 
semble in any number, while the larger ones could be made use- 
ful in various ways at home or in the clearings. The first set- 
tlers consequently were deprived of the means of educating their 
children, and many of them came to adult years unable to read 
and Avrite, I myself had an elder relative who came to man- 
hood under such circumstances, and who on his reaching the 
age of 21 years went back to Connecticut, from whence he had 
been brought when a young child, and entering a district school 
began his course of instruction by learning the letters of the 
English al job abet. 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 21 

It must not be presumed, however, that tlie minds of the 
young settlers were complete blanks in information on account 
-of the want of instruction in schools. On the contrary many of 
them were well educated in all matters pertaining to the situa- 
tion in which they were placed. They were well versed in the 
woods, were usually expert with the rifle and the fishing rod. 
To bring down a deer while dashing through the thick brush 
was not a very uncommon or extraordinary exploit. The man- 
ufacture, and especially the repairing of their farming tools, 
working in iron as blacksmiths, dressing the skins of animals 
and making them into garments, moccasins, &c., and the con- 
struction of their buildings, were frequently performed by those 
whose only instruction and handicraft was the result of their own 
ingenuity and practical observation. If they were ignorant of 
the histories of Herodotus and Livy, or knew nothing of the 
problems of Euclid, they could fall a tree wnereverthey wanted 
it to lie, and could judae of the effect of the wind upon a rifle 
ball at 30 rods, with as much accuracy as if they had been edu- 
cated at West Point. 

From the first settlement of the valley of the Chenango, an 
impression seemed to prevail tliat a village at or near the con- 
fluence of the two rivers must, from the nature of the locality, 
be inevitable ; but the precise point where it would be laid out 
was not fully determined upon. A little cluster of dwellings 
had been erected a mile and a-half up the Chenango River, above 
the foot of Mount Prospect, and the general impression was 
that there the new village would be built. But as the land at 
that point did not appear to be properly fitted for the purposes 
of a village, other influences prevailed, 

Mr. Bingham very naturally desired that the site of the pro- 
posed town should be located on his patent, and through the 
iinfluence of Joshua Whitney, then a young man and business 



t2 historical address. 

agent for Mr. Bingham, the removal was accomplislied. By 
general consent the present site of Binghamton was determined 
upon — the ground was cleared of brush and logs by the united 
efforts of the people, they making a bee for that purpose. The 
street now known as Water street was laid out, and building 
wii.s soon commenced. Tliis was in 1799, and the new village 
thus begun was named Chenango Village. This was the 
iivdeus of Binghamton. A few buildings were erected on 
Water street, stores were oj)ened, mechanics' shop» were built, 
and also a tavern by Lewis Keeler, where the Cafferty House 
now stands. When the County was organized, in 1806, the 
village became the County seat, and the erection of a Court 
House and Jail and Clerk's Office soon followed. 

It is now proper that I should allude briefly to certain indi- 
viduals, who not only laid the foundations of Binghamton, 1)ut 
who largely contributed to its growth iind to its subsequent 
prosperity. 

First and foremost of all was tlie late Cen. Joshua Whitney, 
He came here with his father al)out the year 1788, a young 
man only 18 years of age. Here he grew to maturity, and en- 
tered upon the active business of life. Some years after. I tliink 
about the year 1800, Mr. Bingham appointed him his agent, 
and entrusted to him his interests in tlie patent of which he 
was the pro])rietor. From that time Mr. Whitney Avas the 
ruling spirit of the place. He entered ardently into his work, 
became an active business man in the new village, opened a 
store, erected a dwelling liouse, and in every project of a public 
character or interest he was first and foremost. His influence 
was powerful, and was always exerted to promote what he be- 
lieved to be the best interests of the people. In his manner he 
was somewhat brusque, and was positive in enforcing what his 
judgment told him was right ; yet he was kind of heart and 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 23 

generous in nature. Many of the early settlers were greatly 
benefited by the aid and comfort which he not unfrequently 
afforded them, under some adverse or embarrassing circum- 
stances. 

I only knew Gen. Whitney in the later years of his life, when 
he had long been retired from business. But even then he re- 
tained more or less of his former influence, and was every where 
treated by his fellow citizens with evidences of the greatest re- 
spect and veneration. Gen. Whitney represented this County 
in the Assembly during its fortieth session — 1816-17. 

Jacob McKinney appears to have been the next most prom- 
inent business man who early located at Chenango Village. He 
oame from Northumberland County, Pa., making his way up 
the river in a boat loaded with goods. He opened a store, and 
soon after formed a co-partnership with Gen. Whitney, and en- 
tered with zeal into all the projects for building up the new 
village. He was one of the first on the ground, and his efforts 
began with the earliest. He served as Sheriff and County 
Clerk of this County. 

Christopher Eldredge is also entitled to special mention 
in this connection. He came into this section of the country 
from Stonington, Conn., in 1801, and in 1806 commenced bus- 
iness as a merchant, and for more than fifty years was one of 
the most prominent business men in Binghamton. Mr. Eldredge 
died less than twelve years ago in the 81st year of his age, and 
his memory is yet cherished and honored by those who knew 
him in his life time, and who are now enjoying the advantages 
which he contributed so much towards securing. 

Following the three persons just mentioned, came other active 
business men and mechanics, who bought lots, opened their 
stores, built their shops, and gave to the new village an air of 



24 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 



industry and thrift. The names of some of these men may be 
here mentioned as those who laid the foundations and com- 
menced the superstructure of our present City. The limits of 
this sketch, however, will not allow me to enter into details of 
the personal history of each individual. One general remark 
applies to them collectively. They were mostly young men 
with the world before them, adventurous, hardy and enter- 
prising. These names I will now give ; they are as follows : 



Lewis Keeler, 
Zenas Pratt, 
Selah Squires, 
James Squires, 
David Brownson- 
Myron Merrill, 
John B. Mcintosh, 
Marshall Lewis. 
Jeremiah Campbell, 
.Julius Page, 
Henry Mather, 
(rilbert Tompkins, 
Thomas Evans, 
Samuel Peterson, 
Joseph B. Abl)ott. 
Oliver Ely, 
William Wentz, 
Vincent Whitnev, 



John Townley, 
Henry T. Shipman, 
William Woodruff, 
Benjamin Sawtelle, 
Lewis St. John, 
James C. Smead, 
CoL John Stone, 
Augustus Morgau, 
Samuel Smith, 
Richard Mather, 
Martin Hawley, 
Isaac Tompkins, 
James Evans, 
Hazard Lewis, 
Stephen Weed, 
Levi Dimmick, 
Virgil Whitney, 
Franklin Whitnev. 



Most of these men liave passed away. " Life's fitful fever 
over,'' they now rest from their labors, amidst the scenes of 
their early toil : 

•• By the river golden storied with their worth and virtues tried." 
A few of them remain, however, and are now our oldest and 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 25 

most respected citizens. Cliief among the living is the venera- 
ble Samuel Peterson, now nearly 85 years of age, who, not- 
withstanding his years, daily walks our streets with the brisk- 
ness of youth, and with the elastic step of a boy. It would 
trouble most men twenty years younger to keep pace with him 
now. 

Virgil Whitney, eldest son of Gen. Joshua Whitney, still 
lives among us, a revered and venerable citizen, now in the 81st 
year of his age. He was born and reared here, amid the scenes 
and incidents of early pioneer life. He has witnessed the entire 
transformation of the County from a wilderness to a rich and 
cultivated section ; has seen all its changes ; has been instru- 
mental in promoting its interests and in securing its present 
superior advantages ; and through a long and active life has 
contributed his share to the advancement and prosperity of the 
County. 

EicHARD Mather. Col. Jos. B. Abbott, William Wentz, 
and Charles W. Sanford still remain to recount their early 
experience in frontier life, and to tell, not how fields, but how 
fortunes, were won. The life of each of these citizens has been 
passed in the successful prosecution of business, adding by their 
efforts to the material wealth of the locality, and transposino- 
crude material into useful and valuable products. 

The professions were early represented in the settlement of 
the County, and, it is claimed, contributed their full share to its 
permanent advancement. 

Of the lawyers who first came into the County may be men- 
tioned Daniel LeRoy, David Rogers, Horace Williston, Mason 
Whiting, and William Stuart. These were all able men and 
good lawyers. They came here during the years from 1801 to 
1805. The three first named, after residing here for several 



*.ib HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 

yeai"s, removed to other places ; Mr. TThiting and Judge Stuarr 
remained, entered into active business, spent tlieir lives here. 
and their graves are now in our midst. In 1S09 Mr. John A. 
Collier, then a young lawyer fresh from the law school at Litch- 
field, Conn., located here : George Park came about 1810 : Geu. 
Thomas G. "Waterman followed in 1813 : Peter Eobinson in 
1821 : and Daniel S. Dickinson in 1831. William Seymour 
located for the practice of law at Windsor as early as 1805. 
These were the leading lawyers who cast their fortunes in this 
County at its beginning and during its earher period. They 
were all men of education, refinement and abihty. The bar of 
the County was noted for its strong men, especially Mr. Collier. 
Mr. Eobinson and Mr. Dickinson. All achieved at least the 
meed of fame, and served the County in various offices. Mr. 
Whiting represented the County in the Assembly of 1816, and 
was District Attorney from 1831 to 183T. 

Mr. Jolin A. CoUier held the office of District Attorney for 
the County from 1818 to 1822. He was a Representative in the 
22d Congress from this District, and was Comptroller of the 
State from 18il to 1842. George Park did not enter exten- 
sively into the practice of law, his tastes and studies tending 
more to the Xatural Sciences. He held the office of Surrogate 
from 1823 to 1833 ; was twice appointed Deputy County Clerk, 
and served as a Magistrate of the Town for many years. It is 
but a few weeks since we laid him in his grave, at the advanced 
age of 87 years — one of the last of the pioneer settlers. 

Thomas G. Waterman was a member of the Assembly in 1824, 
and represented the 6th Senatorial District in the Senate of this 
State during the years 1827, 1828, 1829 and 1830. He Hkewise 
was District Attorney for a short time. 

Peter Robinson was District Attornev from 1823 to 1831. He 



HISTOEICAi ADDRESS. - » 



represented the County in the Assembly for six years, from 1826 
to 1831 inclusive. At the session of 1829 he was made Speaker 
of the House. He also was appointed Surrogate in 1821, per- 
forming the duties of this oface about two years. 

Daniel S. Dickinson's first public appearance was his election 
to the Senate of this State in 18-36. He *erved his term of four 
years, and in 1842 was elected lieut. Governor. In November, 
LS44, he was appointed by 'Gov. Bouck a Senator in Congress to 
fill the unexpired term of :S'. P. Tallmadge, and in February, 1815, 
was elected by the Legislature United States Senator for the 
fuH term, commencing the 1th of March foUowing. He sub- 
sequently held the office of Attorney General of the State, and 
was holding the appointment of United States District Attor- 
ney for the Southern District of Xew York at the time of his 
death- 
William Seymour resided in Windsor for many years. In 
1833 he was appointed First Judge of the Comity, and removed 
to Binghamton. He was elected in 1834 a member of the 24th 
Congress, and served during the sessions of 1835 and lS3t^. 

I have purposely omitted the name of WiUiam Stuart until 
now. He was a brother-in-law to DeWitf Clinton ; was a law- 
yer by profession, a man of marked ability, was an officer in the 
army of the Kevolution. and, as has been seen, early came to 
thisplace. His title of Judge came from the fact that he held 
the appointment of a Judge of Common Pleas for a time. The 
principal office which he held was that of District Attorney, an 
office somewhat different from the present one. At that time 
the State was divided into districts, seven in number. To each 
district an Attorney for the People was assigned, with the title 
of District Attorney. The district in which Broome County 
was situate was composed of the Counties of Tioga, Onon- 



28 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 

daga, Cayuga, Ontario, Steuben, Alleghany, Broome, Seneca, 
Genesee, Niagara, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus. Judge Stuart 
was appointed District Attorney for this district in 1802, and 
served until 1810 ; was reappointed in 1811, and was succeeded 
by Vincent Matthews in 1813. Since then this arrangement 
has been changed so that each county has a prosecuting officer, 
but the title by which he is designated remains as formerly. 

While the lawyers generally and very naturally located at the 
place of holding courts, the pioneer medical men were found 
scattered among the settlements, in the vicinity of those who 
needed their services. In so doing they shared with the fron- 
tiersmen all the hardships, privations and inconveniences to 
which they were subjected ; and it may be claimed, felt them 
with more severity. Many of the pioneer medical men were 
well educated, and more or less accustomed to the refinements 
of cultivated society. The contrast, therefore, was the more 
appreciable and the more keenly felt. 

The first physician of whom any knowledge can be obtained, 
who settled in this county, was Dr. Ozias Crampton. He locjated 
in what is now the town of Wmdsor, in 1791. Dr. Daniel A. 
Wheeler settled in the town of Chenango in 1793, but a few 
years after removed to Whitney's Point. Here he practiced his 
profession the remaining portion of his life. Dr. Chester Lusk 
came to the toAvn of Union in 1800, and was the only physician 
in that part of the County for some years. The fate of Dr. 
Lusk illustrates some of the perils to Avhich the early medical 
men were exposed. Eeturning from visiting a patient, during 
a very dark night, he was thrown from his carriage, and the 
injuries he received caused his death in a few days. 

Dr. Isaiah Chapman came to the town of Lisle, now Triangle, 
in 1799. He and Dr. Wheeler were the only medical men in 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 29 

the nortlieru part of the County at this period. At Windsor, 
succeeding Dr. Crampton, was Dr. Enoch Alden, who settled 
tliere in 1799, and Dr. John Moore, who studied his profession 
in that phice and received his license to practice from the Court 
of Common Pleas of Tioga County in 1799. Dr. Ezra Seymour 
also was licensed to practice in 1803, and I think resided in that 
part of Windsor which is now Colesville, 

At Binghamton the earliest physician of any celebrity was 
Doctor Bartholomew, He was educated at Yale College, 
and came to Clienango Village about 1800, There were like- 
wise, for a short time only, a Dr. Slocum and a Dr. Blanchard 
residing here. Dr. Bartholomew was soon re-inforced by Dr. 
Elihu Ely, who came here from Lyme, Conn., in 1805, and by 
Dr. Tracy Robinson in 1810, and by Dr. Ammi Doubleday in 
1812. Neither of these gentlemen devoted their attention ex- 
clusively to their professional duties, but engaged in other pur- 
suits. Dr. Robinson, in addition to other business than the 
practice of medicine, held the appointment of First Judge of 
the County for many years, and in that capacity administered 
law as well as physic to the people. Dr. Ely and Dr. Double- 
day also engaged in other business. Dr. Ely opened a drug store, 
and afterwards a dry goods store. Dr. Doubleday engaged in va- 
rious enterprises, but his attention was mostly directed to the 
purchase and sale of lands situate in the County. 

Dr, Silas West removed to Binghamton in 1823. He devoted 
his whole attention to the practice of his profession, and followed 
it for many years. His son, Dr. Henry S. West, who was born 
and brought up in Binghamton, entered the service of the 
American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions as a 
Missionary physician, and was stationed at Sivas, in Turkey in 
Asia. Here he distinguished himself as a Surgeon, having per- 
formed the operation of lithotomy over one hundred and fifty 



30 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 

times. I am sorry to add that Dr. West died at Sivas on the 
1st day of April of this Centennial year. Cotemporary with 
Dr. West at%inghamton were Dr. G. L. Spencer, at Triangle, 
and Dr. P. B. Brooks, at Lisle. Dr. Thomas Jackson came to 
Binghamton a few years later, about the year 1828. He was a 
graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and up to the time 
of his death, luid been a resident of this place for more than 
thirty years. He Avas a successful practitioner, and commanded 
the respect and confidence of the entire community. 

These were the early medical men of the County who for any 
length of time served the people as physicians in their remote 
and humble dwellings. Tlie ricles were long and tedious and 
could only be performed on horseback, and many times, in order 
to give the necessary attendance, the physician must be in the 
saddle for 24 hours or more continuously. The early physicians 
by their efforts in protecting the health of settlers, surely did 
their share in develo]nng the country, and changin": it from a 
wilderness to a productive and fertile region. 

Neither were the settlements long without " the benefit of 
clergy." Many of the settlers before emigrating were religious 
people, and were accustomed to the duties and privileges of the 
church. But in the depths of the wilderness, among the remote 
settlements of the frontier, no such opportunity was had. " The 
sounding aisles of the wild wood " were the only temples of 
worship in which the people could jissemble, and tne voice of 
God could reach them only in the wind and in the storm. To 
establish the privileges of religious instruction, and to reclaim 
the " lost sheep of the House of Israel," was the task of tlie 
early pioneer clergymen. 

The first clergyman on the ground whose name comes to us 
was the Eev. Mr. Howe, a Baptist. He came here prior to 1800, 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 31 

and commenced the work of collecting the people and organizing 
a church. His efforts at first were successful, but did not con- 
tinue so, for after an existence of a very few years his church 
became extinct. 

There was a Kev. Mr. Palmer in this vicinity and in the vi- 
cinity of Union in the early days of the settlements. He was a 
minister of the Dutch Reformed Church, and I think came here 
from New Jersey. He likewise became discouraged and dis- 
gusted in consequence of the failure of a church he had organ- 
ized, and left the County, as I liave been told, uttering anathe- 
mas against the valley of the Susquehanna and its settlers. 

Rev. Seth Williston was in the settlements acting as a mis- 
sionary to the people as early as 1797. He, I believe, was not 
permanently settled in any place, but labored wherever his ser- 
vices appeared to be the most needed. He spent considerable 
time at Lisle, organized the church in that place, and became 
its pastor for a number of years. This was about the year 1797, 
and was probably the earliest organization of the kind in this 
section of the country. His missionary labors extended over a 
wide region of the State, including that east of this County. 
I have a dim recollection of his being at my father's house, and 
of sitting upon his knee and listening to his words as he sought 
to adapt them to my childish comprehension. Mr. Williston 
was a good man, and of a high character in his profession. 

There was likewise a Rev. Mr. Camp who visited, and I do 
not know but lived entirely in the settlements during the ear- 
lier years. He, however, had no charge of any church or society, 
nor did he have a stated or regular field of labor, but visited and 
oflSciated as opportunity offered. 

A Congregational Church is reported as having been formed 
in Windsor in 1793, under the direction of Rev. Mr, Judd, but 



32 HISTORICAL ADDEESS. 

whether it remained a permanent organization I do not know, 
Eeligions services were also conducted in 1793 in what is now 
Coles ville, by Eev. Joseph Badger, and in 1799 St. Luke's 
Church (Episcopal) at Harpursrille was organized. A Baptist 
Church at Upper Lisle is also mentioned as having been formed 
as early as 1802 ; and the Union Chapel (Methodist Episcopal) 
Society at East Eandolph, in the Town of Windsor,, in 1803. 
A Baptist Church was also organized and located at Harpurs- 
ville in 1811. These appear to have been the earlier church or- 
ganizations of the County. They originated sporadically, 
without any general effort or systematic labor. 

It was not until about 1815^ and during the fifteen years suc- 
ceeding, that any thing like a general movement was instituted 
by the settlers to provide religious privileges and opportunities 
for themselves and their children. By this time the religious 
element had become greatly augmented, and the importance of 
public worship and the restraints of religious influences were 
acknowledged. In organizing church associations the various 
denominational differences were duly maintained. The people 
of the sparsely inhabited hamlets could not assemble together 
and collectively worship God. Th'e different tenets of the Church 
of England, of Roger Williams, of John Wesley, or of John 
Calvin, were regarded by the partisans of each as of equal im- 
portance, or rather as constituting an essential portion of true 
religion. Consequently Episcopal, Baptist, Methodist, Presb}'- 
terian and Congregational societies were organized in different 
directions, oftentimes two or m'ore in the same neighborhood or 
settlement. These differences of opinion in matters of faith 
were not always the most harmonious element among the people ; 
they sometimes excited a spirit of rivalry and intolerance, and 
often engendered sentiments very far from those of Christian, 
charity or of brotherly love. In this, the one hundredth year of 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 33 

our National existence, it is proper to record the fact that much 
of the sectarian asperity of former years no longer exists. 

In Binghamton in 1810 an Episcopal society was organized 
under the title of St. Ann's Church ; hut whether from in- 
difference to the honor on the part of the patron saiut, or from 
want of influence we cannot tell, but the society was soon dis- 
solved. In 1816 it was re-organized under the name of Christ 
Church, and was tlie commencment of the present large and 
influential Episcopal society. The early rectors of Christ 
Church were Rev. James Keeler, Rev. F. H. Cumming, Rev. 
Mr. Gear, Nathaniel Huse, Rev. Hiram Adams and Rev. Mr. 
Shimeall. These gentlemen occupied the situation but a short 
time each. In 1836 Rev. Edward Andrews, D. D., became the 
rector and continued so for many years. He was an able, 
scholarly man, an eloquent preacher, and was largely instru- 
mental in the prosperity of his parish. Dr. Andrews died a few 
years since. One of his successors. Rev. Chas. H. Piatt, has 
followed him — dying here at his post, in the midst of his labors. 

The present Presbyterian Church of Binghamton was organ- 
ized in 1817, and the Rev. Mr. Nileswas ordained and installed 
pastor of it in 1818. Mr. Niles remained in charge of the 
church until July, 1828, when he died. He was immediately 
succeeded by Rev. Peter Lockwood, who continued his pastoral 
relation until 1833. Following Mr. Lockwood came the Rev. 
John A. Nash, and in 1838, Rev. David D. Gregory became 
the pastor. He continued his labors for ten years — an earnest, 
sincere man. It is less than two years since his remains were 
deposited in Spring Forest Cemetery. Rev. John Humphrey 
succeeded Mr. Gregory and at his death, Rev. Wm. H. Good- 
rich of New Haven was called to the pastorate. He remained 
in charge a few years when he removed to Cleveland, Ohio. 
His health, however, becoming impaired, he finally went 



34 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 

abroad and died in Europe, I think u}Don the same day that 
Mr. Gregory died in Binghamton. The Presbyterians and 
Congregationalists had some men of more than ordinary 
strength in other parts of the County during this period. I 
may mention the names of Eev. Mr. Ward, of Union, Rev. 
Henry Ford, of Lisle, and afterwards of Maine, and Rev. Mr. 
"Woodruff, of Chenango Forks. Mr. Ford was a man of signal 
ability and of a strong logical mind. His favorite themes were 
what are termed the "doctrines" of the Bible, and in tenacity 
of belief and in firmness in enforcing his views he must have 
been equal to Calvin himself. More than 35 years ago I listened 
to a discourse from him, directed to a church whose soundness 
on the "doctrines" had begun to be distrusted. His text was, 
" Whom He will He hardeneth." Every proposition advanced 
was sustained by copious quotations from the Scriptures, and at 
the close of every argument he would remark, " if you think 
these are 'hard sayings,' my brethren, I can only reply that 
they are found in the Bible ; the words are not mine." Of all 
the clergymen whose names I have mentioned in connection 
with the Presbyterian Church in this County none are living 
except Rev. Mr. Lockwood. He still survives — the sun of his 
life setting tranquilly, a beloved and venerated father in his 
church. 

We have already seen that the Baptists were early in the field, 
and that prior to 1815 they had societies in operation at Upper 
Lisle and at Harpursville. The Baptist Church at Bingliam- 
ton was not organized until 18!<59 — the Rev. Michael Frederick 
being its first pastor. The following are the next succeeding 
pastors of the Binghamton Baptist Church down to about the 
yearl83G, viz : Revs. Jason Corwin, Henry Robertson, William 
Storrs, and J. M. Coley. The growth of this society through 
all the years since its organization has been continuous and un- 
interrupted. 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 35 

The Methodist denomination has by no means acted an insig- 
nificant jiart in the religious movements which have been insti- 
tuted in the County. Their itinerant ministers followed close 
upon the coming of the early settlers, and they penetrated every 
hamlet. We have already seen that a society was organized at 
East Eandolph as early as 1803. Now, at the present day, their 
small white churches are to be seen in every direction, and are 
easily accessible to every neighborhood. 

The first Methodist society in Binghamton was organized in 
1817, and was generally known as the Henry Street M. E. Church. 
After a series of events continuing for many years, which it is 
not worth while to attempt to trace or to detail, this organiza- 
tion now finds itself possessed of the beautiful church edifice on 
Court street, which they built some years since, and which they 
have named the "' Centenary M. E. Churcli," so called in com- 
memoration of the introduction of Methodism in America, 
one hundred years before the year in which their church was 
erected, viz : 1869. Their membership and congregation are 
large. On account of the peculiar policy of this denomination 
in changing their preachers every two years, I am unable from 
want of space and time to give the names of those who have 
had this people in charge. One of the veteran preachers of this 
denomination, long a resident of Binghamton, and one of its 
early settlers, I may, however, mention. I refer to the late Rev. 
Solon Stocking, whose memory will be readily recalled by those 
who knew him in his life time, and who still survive him. 

In 1835 Edward White, Esq., removed to Binghamton with 
his family, consisting of his wife, his wife's sister. Miss Grifiin, 
and three daughters. They were all natives of Ireland, educa- 
ted and refined. The Misses White and Grifiin opened a board- 
ing school for young ladies, which for many years was conduct- 
ed successfully. This family were Roman Catholic in their re- 



36 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 

ligion, and it is believed was the first Roman Catholic family in 
the County. They set up the altar of their church, and com- 
menced the worship of God according to its forms and ceremo- 
nies. This was the commencement of a Catholic mission, as it 
is termed, and has resulted in the large and widely diffused 
Catholic element throughout the County. 

At first the mission was visited only at intervals by clergymen 
of the Roman Catholic faith, among whom was the late Father 
O'Reilly, then of Silver Lake, Pa. In 1843 or 1844 Bishop 
Hughes gave the Binghamton mission in charge to the Rev. A. 
Doyle, who was succeeded the following year by the Rev. John 
Sheridan, and, owing to his removal to Owego, the Rev. James 
Hourigan, the present pastor, was appointed in July, 1847. 
The work of Father Hourigan was to visit, become acquainted 
with and bring under the influences of the church all the scat- 
tered members of its faith within a territory extending, in some 
directions a distance of 50 miles. For the last 29 years he has 
thus been engaged, and a most indefatigable worker he has 
proved. In addition to the public ministration of the word, 
and the common or ordinary parochial duties of a clergyman, 
the Roman Church requires its priests to attend, if not utterly 
impossible, whenever summoned to visit a dying member, for the 
purpose of administering the last rites appointed for such oc- 
casions. This duty necessarily imposes a gi*eatly increased 
amount of labor upon the priest, for no inclemency of weather, 
nor darkness of night, nor distance even, nor all combined, can 
excuse him if he should not make every effort to attend. Pos- 
sessed of a vigorous frame, and earnestly devoted to his work, 
Father Hourigan has rarely failed to perform his whole duty. 
There is not an hour of the day or night that I have not seen 
him, at some period during the last twenty-five years, by the bed 
side of some one of his people, to administer to them the con- 
solations of their faith. 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 37 

The Catholic congregation in this place is large. Three sev- 
eral masses are said on every Sunday morning during each of 
which the spacious church is crowded with a different set of 
worshipers. 

The foregoing reference to the churches in Binghamton em- 
braces all of the original or primary religious organizations of 
the place. 

The Congregational Church was formed in 1836 by the pro- 
cess of reproduction described by naturalists as fission or fissi- 
parous generation. The parent body divides, a new organism 
is produced, which becomes possessed of individual life and 
capable of a separate existence. The original members of the 
Congregational Church were all members of the Presbyterian 
Church, and separated from it to organize and form what has 
since proved to be a most efficient and independent living body. 

The process has been repeated twice since in the parent body, 
and within a few years, giving origin to the TSTorth Presbyterian 
Churcli and later to the West Presbyterian Church, 

The same has also taken place in the parent Methodist Church, 
and the Main Street Tabernacle and the High Street M. E. 
Churches are the products. 

Christ Church, in Binghamton, has likewise given to the 
world in this manner the Church and the House of the Good 
Shepherd, situate in the Fifth Ward. 

There is a Free Methodist Church of Binghamton, organized 
in 1862, its jilace of worshijD being the corner of Court and Car- 
roll streets. Two Colored Churches also exist in Binghamton, 
xiz : the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, organized 
in 1836, and the African Methodist Episcopal Bethel Church, 
organized in 1838, 



3S HrSTORIOXL ADDRESS. 

In the Town ^ Binghamt-oin, j»t H«vrkyton, there aw twi» 

Chnrcliesi, » Methodist Episcopal ;iiid a l^resl\vrc-mn : and in 
the ^"icinity of tbe Asj^lnm ihcrc .Msts ?) Reformed Pro testa-nt 
£piso.opa] Society, 

In Barker there are three churchei! — ^a Congregational at 
Chenango Porks, the Adams Streiet Methodist Episcopal ChuTy:*h» 
and the Methodist Episcopal Chnrch of Barker. 

Chenango has the First Methodist Episeojml Society at Che- 
nango Forks, a Baptist C'hnrch at Castle Creek, a Methodist 
Episcopal Chnrch at Castle Cre«k, and at KattleTille and at 
Olen Castle. 

In Colesrille there are St^ Luke's (Episcopal) Chnrch. the 
First Baptist Chnrch, and the Methodist Episcopal Chnrch at 
HarpnrsTille. the First Methodist Episcopal Chnrch at ^STew 
Ohio, the PresTjTterian Chnrch and t^e Methodist Episcopal 
Chnrch at Xineveh, the Baptist Chnrch at West ColesviUe, the 
Methodist Episcopal Chnrch at Onqnaga, the Free Chnrch at 
Cole's Hill, and tlie Methodist Episcopal Chnrch at Oshom 
HoUov. 

In Oonk-Iin there are three chnrcbes — First Baptist Chnrch, 
sitnate on the riTer, near the center of the t.own ; the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Chnrch, on Little Snake Creek, and the Presby- 
terian Church at Conklin Station," or Millmrn. 

Fenton has three churches — ^a Baptist Church and a Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church at Port Crane, and a Methodist Episco- 
pal Church at North Fenton. 

Kirkwood has two churches — a Methc»dist Episcopal Church 
at Kirkwood Village, and a Christian Church, t^o miles down 

the river. 

Ill lisle there are a Methodist Episcopal Church and a Con- 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 39 

gregational Church at Lisle Village, and a Baptist Church and 
Methodist Episcopal Church at Killawog. 

In the town of Maine there are seven churches — a Methodist 
Episcopal Church at Union Center ; a Congregational Church, 
a Baptist Church and a Methodist Episcopal Church at Maine 
Village ; a Methodist Episcopal Church at North Maine, a 
Presbyterian Church at East Maine, and the Abbott Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

Nanticoke has four churches— a Methodist Episcopal Church 
and a Christian Church at Glen Aubrey, and a Baptist Church 
and a Methodist Episcopal Church at Lamb's Corners. 

Sanford has three religious societies — a Baptist Church in the 
north part of the town, a Free Will Baptist Church and a Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church in another direction. 

It is but just to remark here that the religious character of 
the citizens of our County who live at Deposit, ought not to be 
reflected upon or suffer in any way because no churches or 
church organizations have been mentioned as existing there. 
There are, as is well known, several churches and church edifices 
at Deposit, and that the citizens of that place are regular in 
their attendance on public worship. But it so happens that the 
line between this County and Delaware County passes through 
the center of the village, and that all the church buildings are 
on the other side of the line. Consequently they are without 
the limits of Broome, and could not properly be included in 
this sketch. Our citizens residing at Deposit have their homes 
and transact their secular business in their own County, but 
their devotions and their religious acts are all performed in the 
County of Delaware. 

Triangle numbers thirteen churches, viz : The First Baptist 
Church and the Universalist Church at Upper Lisle ; Baptist 



40 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 

Church and Methodist Episcopal Church at Triangle ; Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, Baptist Church, First Congregational 
Church, Grace Church, and the Catholic Mission, at Whitney's 
Point ; First Baptist Church at Hazard's Corners, and Congi'e- 
gational Church at Triangle. 

Union has four churches — a Presbyterian Church, a Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church and a Protestant Episcopal Church at 
the village, and a Congregational Church at Union Center. 

Vestal has five churches — a Methodist Episcopal Church at 
Vestal ; a Baptist Church at Vestal Center ; a Methodist Epis- 
copal Church and two Reformed Methodist Churches at Tracy 
Creek. 

Windsor has eight churclies — the Union Chapel at East Ran- 
dolph, Methodist Episcopal Church at East Windsor, Baptist 
Church at Randolph Center, Christian Advent Church at Wil- 
mot Settlement, First Wesleyan Church at Hazardville, Wes- 
leyan ^Methodist Episcojial Church at East Randolph, Zion 
Episcopal Church at Windsor, and First Free Methodist Epis- 
copal Church at Windsor Village. 

From the summary of church organizations now given, it is 
evident how great an advance has been made in all that pertains 
to the religious culture and improvement of the people of this 
County during tlie first century of our national existence. The 
numerous church organizations which on all sides are to be met 
with, indicate that amidst all the excitements and the engross- 
ing cares of life, there is yet a strong element in the human 
cliaracter which impels man to make preparation for the life 
that is to come. 

For a period of sixty years next succeeding the first settle- 
ments, the leading interest and the staple production of the 
County was its lumber. In almost every section and especially 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 41 

along the several streams were extensive tracts, thickly covered 
with pine timber. As this was the only product that could be 
taken to a market, and as it usually commanded a ready sale, 
the manufacture of lumber became the leading business of the 
County, and the timber lands were first sought after and taken 
up. There seemed to be no other way to obtain money but by 
the sale of pine boards. Hence in every section saw mills were 
in active operation, the clearing up of the forests was in a meas- 
ure suspended, and every energy was directed to the manufacture 
of lumber. It was marketed by floating it down" the river ; 
whenever by reason of rains, or the melting of the snow in the 
spring, the river had sufficient water to float the lumber when 
made into rafts. During the fall and winter the pine trees were 
fallen, cut into the proper length, and drawn to the mills. 
Such mills as had sufficient water to run the entire year, were 
stocked with a quantity enough to keep them in operation all 
the time. The lumber sawed into boards was piled upon the 
l)ank of the river in some convenient place. Of course when 
manufactured at mills remote from the river it had to be drawn 
there by teams. All these operations kept a good many men 
in employment. The lumberman was a person sui generis. 
To him, the sun rose and set solely to enable him to work a pine 
tree into boards. As a species of the human race, the lumber- 
man has in this vicinity become extinct, as have also the pine 
trees themselves. 

But the great carnival of the lumberman, the season of the 
most absorbing interest of all others, was the rafting season ; 
when everything else was laid aside, and all hands were 
turned to, to construct the rafts and to prepare for the trij) 
down the river. The trip down the river sometimes extend- 
ed south as far as Norfolk, Va., and was an excursion which 
every young man must of necessity make. These trips 



42 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 

abounded in adventure, tlie narration of which relieved the 
monotony of the remaining portion of the year. The perils 
of running the various dams, the Towanda, the Nanticoke 
and the Shemokin chutes, and likewise the Connawaug Falls, 
were rehearsed in the most glowing styles to ready and imag- 
inative listeners. 

This class of people were a hardy and enduring set of men, 
but more or less irregular in their course of life, and seldom lay- 
ing up or saving property. Among all of the early lumbermen, 
very few at the expiration of 20 years of hard work, were any 
better off, or had much of property left. 

It was the practice to anticipate the avails of their yearly la- 
bor. Some merchant under an arrangement made, w^ould ad- 
vance to and supply the manufacturer of lumber, with all the 
necessary means of subsistence for the family and teams, also 
the wages of the laborers out of the store, all to paid for from 
the receipts of the lumber when sold. Many of the merchants 
likewise bought smaller lots of lumber, paying for it out of the 
store, and in this way became largely engaged in the trade. 

The disadvantages of such a system of doing business, are 
apparent. The merchant must necessarily impose a greater 
profit upon his goods, thereby increasing the cost to the con- 
sumer, while the uncertainty as to when returns w^ould be re- 
ceived, and the not unfrequent failure of men engaged in the 
business, entailed losses that quite often more than counteracted 
the increased profits. But it was the way, and perhaps the 
only way that business could be conducted. Every business 
arrangement was to be consummated, every note was payable, 
when the " rafts got back." Land was cheap, and was bought 
up in tracts of considerable size, which subsequently became 
the source of great wealtli to the proprietors. 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 43 

I have already remarked that the himberman constituted a 
species of the genus man, sui generis. This species can now 
only be seen in the northern part of Michigan and in the pineries 
of the upper Mississippi. They had a vocabulary peculiarly 
their own, and were one of them to return here at the present 
day, there would be a generation entirely ignorant of his lan- 
guage, and would be as surprised and confounded at hearing 
the terms of "panel," "common," "culls," "sample culls," 
"oar stems," "oar blades," "grubs," "platforms," "stiffening 
poles," &c., &c., as was Eip Van Winkle when, returning from 
his protracted repose in the Catskills, he first heard of "Bunker 
Hill," "Spirit of '76," "Geo. Washington," "the Continental 
Congress," &c., which to him seemed an unintelligible jargon. 

There is also another fact that may be recorded here. During 
the process of getting off the lumber, agriculture was sadly 
neglected, and the country had a most slovenly appearance. 
The land from which the pine timber had been removed was 
grown up to brush — no fences, no signs of improvement, and 
no cultivation. That this had the effect to retard the improve- 
ment of the County, and to delay its development as an agri- 
cultural section, Avhich it now eminently is, cannot be denied. 
There was no attention paid to the cultivation of the land until 
the last pine tree had fallen. 

There was another cause which delayed the settlement of the 
County, and which diverted the current of emigration that for 
a time was directed strongly towards it. In a note addressed 
to me by Virgil Whitney, Esq., with a view to aid me in the 
preparation of this sketch, he refers to this cause in the follow- 
ing language : " Before the opening of the Erie Canal, the 
County of Broome was filling up with inhabitants very rapidly, 
but the opening was a complete stoppage, and it became a very 
rare event for a new settler to come into the village or County. 



44 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 

It then became apparent how isolated this section was. They 
had plenty to eat, but no exchange or sale, consequently no 
wealth, no fashions, no distinctions, but strange to say, more 
real content, more real religion, and more character as a com- 
munity." 

The foregoing sketch brings us down in the history of Broome 
County to about the 3'ear 1836. It was then that the County 
first received the benefit of what was then termed the system of 
internal improvements, by the construction of the Chenango 
Canal. This was the first impetus to further advancement which 
the County had received. 

The building of the Erie Canal had for many years before en- 
grossed the attention of the people of the State, and when it 
became a fact accomplished and a water communication was 
really established between Lake Erie and the Hudson River, the 
clamor came from on both sides of the main Canal for lateral 
or side canals which should connect with the Erie. This policy 
was adopted by the State, and the construction of the Crooked 
Lake Canal, the Seneca Lake Canal, the Chemung Canal, the 
Chenango Canal, and the Black River Canal was the result. 
The people interested in these several measures insisted upon 
their completion with great pertinacity, while those not partic- 
ularly affected by these measures began to think that the State 
was too lavish in its expenditures for work of internal improve- 
ment. This question became one of the leading elements in 
every election, and for many years the politics of this County, 
as well as others, were controlled by the question of the com- 
pletion of the Chenango Canal. It was this pertinacity and 
clamor, and uncontrollable determination that vexed the late 
Mr. Samuel Young, of Saratoga, into the declaration that the 
people of this section of the State were a set of " sturdy beggars." 
Notwithstanding all the opposition encountered, the Chenango 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 45 

Oanal was constructed, and it let the " dark out" of this pre- 
viously sequestered region, and opened it to the outer world. 
This was in 1837. 

The completion of the Chenango Canal again attracted the 
attention of emigrants, and once more the tide began to flow 
towards this part of the State. The value of property was much 
increased. The lands from which the pine timber had been 
removed were now sold as farms, and the cultivation of the soil 
was commenced in earnest. Freights and transportation were 
low, and a sure market could always be relied upon. This, of 
course, gave encouragement to the raising of farm products, and 
the number of farms under cultivation soon began to multiply. 

Twelve years later the Erie Railway was completed to Bing- 
hamton, and two years afterwards was extended to Lake Erie. 
Tlie construction of the road placed the County of Broome in 
direct communication with New York City, and on one of the 
principal through routes from the Atlantic to the great west. 
The County, now no longer sequestered and remote, became 
easily accessible, and the increase of its population corresponded 
to its increased facilities. The further completion of the Del- 
aware, Lackawana & Western Railroad, the Syracuse & Bing- 
hamton Railroad, the Albany & Susquehanna Railroad, and the 
Chenango Valley or Utica Railroad, which followed one after 
another in a few years, brought the County within tlie focus of 
a railroad center. There are but three Towns in the County 
that have no railroad passing through them. The aggregate 
assessed valuation of all the railroads in the several Towns upon 
which taxes are paid is $1,087,353. All these advantages 
have had their effect — the price of lands has largely increased, 
the farming interest throughout the entire County is the pre- 
vailing interest, and the population of the County is to-day still 
increasing in numbers. 



46 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 

In 1810 the entire population of what is now the County of 
Broome was only 6,524 ; in 1875 its inhabitants numbered 
47,913. The increase of population in the County for the last 
five years is about 4,000, In 1830 the population numbered 
17,570 ; in 1840, 22,338 ; in 1850, 30,660 ; in 1860, 35,906, and 
in 1870, 44,103. These figures indicate the steady, uniform 
growth of our County. 

Another fact may be mentioned which illustrates not only the 
increase of our population, but of business also. In 1811 there 
were but eight post offices in the County, then including Owego 
and Berkshire. Ten years .after an office was established here, 
it was kept by Wm. Woodruff in the second story of the toll 
house, near the Chenango bridge. But for the purposes of de- 
livery no office was necessary, as all the mail matter of a week 
might have been carried in the Postmaster's hat. Now, I am 
informed by Jas. H. Bartlett, Esq., Assistant Postmaster, that 
7,000 letters are daily handled in the office, besides the mass of 
papers, magazines and pamphlets which are likewise distributed. 
The revenue of the office to the government annually is over 
$27,000. The number of post offices now in the County is about 
sixty. 

The first mail route through this section was from Catskillto 
Newtown. The mail was carried on horseback, and arrived 
once in two weeks. As the population increased, other facilities 
became necessary, and in 1810 there was a mail from the east, 
the west and the north, brought on horseback once a week. In 
later years, and up to the time of building the Erie Eailway, 
there were three princii)ul stage routes from the central portion 
of the State to New York City, viz : a route from Ithaca to 
Catskill, running through the northern part of this County : 
another from Geneva, via Ithaca, Owego, Binghamton, Great 
Bend and Monticello to Newburg ; and a tliird from Owego 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS, 4? 

through Montrose to Jersey City. The late Maj. Augustus Mor- 
gan, Isaac Tompkins and Sidney T. Robinson had extensive 
interests in these routes, and for many years were engaged in 
the transportation of the mails, and the carrying of passengers. 
These several lines constituted the only routes by which travel- 
ers could take a public conveyance to the City of New York ; 
and then it was a ride of two days and one night to reach that 
city from Binghamton. The New York papers were received 
here the third day after publication ; now, the morning's news 
arrives at "Z P. M., and is read in Binghamton as early in the 
day as it is by some of the residents of New York. The old 
Newburg Stage Company, that run that route for many years, 
was composed of the following gentlemen : Lewis Manning, 
Augustus Morgan, Sidney T, Robinson, Henry S. Jarvis, Wm. 
McLaury, Samuel Dimmick, Capt'. Hamilton and Halsey 
Sweet. 

In the most active period of staging, the average daily number 
of passengers out of Binghamton could not have exceeded hoenty. 
I am informed by Mr. Arthur Tiloston, the ticket agent at the 
railway station in this city, that the average number of persons 
daily purchasing tickets at the several railways, and leaving the 
city by cars, will exceed fotir hundred. 

The first newspaper attempted to be published in this section 
was commenced at Union Village in 1800, but who the publish- 
er was, or how long it remained in existence, I am not informed. 
In 1812 Chauncey Morgan commenced the publication of the 
Broome County Patriot at Binghamton. In 1815 it was 
changed, in its name, at least, to that of the Phoenix, and was 
conducted by Maj. Augustus Morgan and Dr. Tracy Robinson, 
In 1819 it was discontinued and the Repuhlican Herald was 
commenced, and successively published by Morgan & Howard, 
Abraham Burrell, and Doreh'us Abbey, 



48 HISTORICAL ADUIlESb. 

The Bruome Republican was established at Biugluimton iw 
1822 by Maj. Augustus Morgan. It was afterwards published 
as a weekly paper by Morgan & Canull, by Evans & Cauoll, by 
CanoU & Cooke, by Davis & Cooke, by F. B. Penniman and by 
E. B. Colston, until about 1849, when it was purchased by Wm. 
Stuart, Es(j. Mr, Stuart commenced the publication of a daily 
paper, and continued it for some years, when the establishment 
was sold to Malette & Reid. The paper is now owned by an 
association, and its publication is vigorously and ably sustained. 

The Binghamton Democrat is the product of a union of the 
Broome County Coui-ier, a weekly paper commenced in 1831 
by J. R. Orton, and the Broome County Democrat, which was 
established in 1847. The two papers were purchased by J. R. 
Dickinson, Esq., the name changed to the Binghamton Demo- 
crat, and was conducted by Mr. Dickinson for some years, whert 
at length it became the i)roperty of the present proprietors, 
Messrs. W. S. & G. L. Lawyer. They have al>:o for a numljer 
of vears publislied the Daily Democrat. 

The BingJiamton Standard was first issued in 185o, by Jas, 
VanValkenlmrg, and continued under different proprietors 
until 1870, when it was consolidated with the Republican. The 
]ri.'<. the Susquehanna Journal, and one or two other papers, 
were commenced at ditferent times, ])ut their publication was 
not long continued. At Union, the Union News has been es- 
tablished for more than twenty years, and is still being pub- 
lished. At Whitney's Point the Bvoo^ne Gazette was commenced 
in 1858, but this has been discontinued and its place supplied 
by the Nioga Reporter, published by M. B. Eldredge. At 
Deposit, although the luiblication office is just over the line in 
Delaware County, the Courier is entitled to Ije reg:irded as \n 
part belonging to Broome. The Binghamto/i Times is of a 
much more recent origin, although a M'vy enicient and well- 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 49 

conducted morning paper. The foregoing will give one an idea 
of the nnmber and variety of the newspapers that have been 
published within the County since its organization. But these 
publications by no means indicate the extent of the reading of 
daily papers in this community. More than five hundred New 
York daily newspapers are sold in Binghamton alone each day, 
besides large numbers of foreign weekly journals, and Bingham- 
ton now is only a fraction of the reading community of Broome 
County. 

The first telegraph line connecting with Binghamton was jaut 
up, I think, in 1849. It connected this place with Oswego by 
the way of Owego and Ithaca. Not long after, under the di- 
rection of the late Mr. Ezra Cornell, a line was erected from 
Ithaca through Owego, Binghamton, Montrose, Carbondale, 
Honesdale, and on to New York. The Erie Railway Company 
did not at first employ the telegraph in the management of their 
road, but ran their trains by printed instructions to the conduc- 
tors for three or four years. 

We have now telegraph lines in every direction, along all of 
the railroads, besides the wires of the Western Union Company. 
The increase of telegraphic business I have not been able to ob- 
tain ; but that it corresponds favorably with the increase in the 
number of letters and other mail matter I have no doubt. No 
daily paper is now" complete without daily dispatches from all 
sections of the country. 

I have already remarked that when the lumber had all been 
taken off, the people began to turn their attention to their farms, 
and that now farming is the leading interest of the County. 
This has wrought a most decided change in its general appear- 
ance. Instead of slovenly, neglected lots of land, without fences 
or comfortable buildings, the County in every direction presents 
an aspect of the highest cultivation. The farm houses and. 



50 HISTOKICAL ADDRESS. 

barns within the last thirty years have been almost enti)-ely re- 
built, and the fields formerly grown np to brush and briars pro- 
duce to their owners an ample crop of wheat, corn, oats, pota- 
toes, &c. The most extensive farm product of our County is 
butter.* Almost every farm produces more or less of this article 
for sale. I have no means of knowing the quantity of butter 
shipped to other markets from this County. That it is large I 
cannot doubt, while our own City consumes no inconsiderable 
quantity each day. 

The assessed valuation of the real estate in Broome County 
for 1875 was 17,326,303.00. 

The manufactured products of the County at the present day 
form no small or insignificant item. A gentleman well versed 
in the business has furnished me with an estimate of the as- 
gregate amount of leather manufactured, sold and ex^jorted from 
the County every year. He estimates the entire amount as not 
being less than one million, five hundred thousand dollars (II, 
500,000.) 

I am indebted to Benj. DeVoe, Esq., Collector of United 
States Revenue for this District, for certain statistics in relation 
to the single article of tobacco manufactured in this City alone 
under the various forms in which it is consumed. The statis- 
tics refer only to the City of Binghamton, and while we have 
in mind that this City is the central point of the County, it 
must likewise be remembered that there are other points within 
the County where this article is manufactured. So that the re- 
port of Mr. DeVoe even may not include all of this article ex- 
ported from the County of Broome. 

The number of cigars manufactured in the City of Bingham- 
ton during the year 1875 was 10,700,000. The value of these 
cigars is reported at 1500,000. 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 51 

The ao-crreffate value of the tobacco otherwise manufactured 
in this City during the same time was $130,000. » 

The manufacture of boots and shoes in the City of Bingham- 
ton amounts to at least $600,000 worth of exports each year. 

The Jones Scale Works employs one hundred men, and the 
annual product of the manufacture of scales at this establish- 
ment amounts to $500,000. 

The manufactory of eartheni ware of Wm. Roberts sells about 
$20,000 worth of pottery every year. 

The estabhshment of Messrs. J. P. Notes & Brother for 
the manufacture of a single variety of horn combs is quite ex- 
tensive, and employs a large number of men. The work is per- 
formed by machinery of a very unique and ingenious character, 
the invention of one or of both the proprietors. Five thousand 
gross of combs are shipped from this estaldishment annually, 
and their value amounts to $50,000. 

A company has recently been organized for the manufacture 
of children's'carriages, sleighs and velocipedes, under the title 
of the Winton Manufacturing Company. This company sold 
thirty thousand sleighs and about five thousand carriages during 
the year 1875. The entire value of articles manufactured by 
this company within the year is about $60,000. 

There are likewise many private enterprises carried on, not 
only in Binghamton but in every part of the County, in addi- 
tion to those already alluded to, which not only employ num- 
bers of men but add materially to the amount and value of the 
aggregate of manufactured products. Numerous carriage mak- 
ing establishments; furniture factories, foundries and ready- 
made clothing houses are to be found carrying forward business 
and transforming crude material into useful articles and real 



52 HISTOKICAL ADDRESS. 

wealth. One clothing house in Binghamton manufactures and 
sells ready-made clothing to the amount of $250,000 annually. 

There were no banking institutions in this County until 1831, 
when the Broome County Bank was chartered. It was organ- 
ized under the old Safety Fund law, and continued its opera- 
tions until the expiration of its charter, when it reorganized 
under a later law of the State, and subsequently it came under 
the National General Banking Law of the United States. Its 
capital is $100,000. This was the only banking capital in 
the County for many years. 

The Binghamton Bank was organized December, 1838, with 
an alleged capital of $100,000, and immediately went into 
operation. It, however, existed but two or three years, when it 
failed, and its affairs were wound up. 

The Bank of Binghamton was organized under the General 
Banking Law of this State in July, 1852, with a capital of 
$100,000, which has since been increased to $200,000. 
After the passage of the National Banking Law, and when it 
was evident that this was the settled policy of the Government, 
the Bank of Binghamton organized anew, and is now known as 
the City National Bank of Binghamton. 

The Susquehanna Valley Bank also was organized under tlie 
General Banking Law of the State in January, 1855. Its cap- 
ital is $100,000. This bank retains its original organization, 
and is one of the few State Banks now in existence. 

The First National Bank of Binghamton was organized under 
the General or National Banking Law in December, 18G3. It 
was the first National Bank chartered here. Its capital orig- 
inally was $100,000, but has since been increased to $200,000. 

The Merchants' National Bank, with a capital of $100,000, 



HISTORICAL ADDEESS. 53 

is the last bank organized in this City. Its organization was 
effected in January, 1874. 

The aggregate amount of bank capital, with tlie surplus on 
hand, in the several banks will exceed one million of dollars. 
There is probably an equal amount held on deposit by the sev- 
eral banks, and also a large amount by the Savings Banks. On 
the 1st instant (July 1st, 1876,) the aggregate amount of loans 
and discounts of all the banks was $1,515,536. 

There are no distilleries in the County. There are rectifying 
establishments in the City, where alcohol is transformed into 
the various forms in which it is drank by the consumers ; but I 
do not know of any place within the bounds of the County of 
Broome where grain of any kind, the product of the earth and 
the food of man, is subjected to the process of transformation 
into alcohol. What we drink, therefore, we import, and it may 
be a satisfaction to many to know that not a dollar of the in- 
creased wealth of the County is owing to the distillation of 
grain into ardent spirits, within its boundaries. 

The County of Broome has never been wanting in patriotic 
impulses, nor dilatory in the discharge of patriotic duties. 
During the war with Great Britain in 1812-3, it sent its citizens 
to the field to repel an invasion by British troops. In the war 
with Mexico, the County was represented not only by private 
soldiers in the ranks of the army, but by the present Gen. John 
C. Eobinson, who, ^\itli U. S. Grant and others since distin- 
guished, vv'as a second lieutenant in the U. S. Army, under Gen. 
Taylor, at the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, on 
the 8th and 9th of May, 1846, and who served in Mexico during 
the entire war. 

When the rebellion of 18G1 broke out, not a month had 



54 HISTORICAL ADDBESS. 

elapsed after the firing upon Fort Sumpter before three full 
eompanies, from Binghamton and Tic-mi ty, were at the rendez- 
vous, and were soon after incorporated into the 2 7th regiment 
X. Y. S. Volunteers. 

I jeam from Capr. E. C. Kattel, late ProTost Marshal of this 
District, thai four thov sand, four hundred and fifty-four men 
were sent from the County of Broome during the war, and that 
in bounties and for other purposes connected with the objects of 
the war, the County contributed the sum of one million, /""t 
hundred and twenty-six thousand dollars. (1=1,426,000.) 

This sketch would be incomplete were I to omit to notice a 
public institution, located in our yicinity. I refer to the New 
YoBK State Ixebeiate Asylum. 

This institution was founded and built, and is now conducted, 
in the full l>elief that the condition of the system which calls 
for the the exeessixe use of alcoholic simulants, and which so 
many are unable to resist, is a morbid condition : and that this 
condition is amenable to treatment, and can be successfully 
combated. It is the first institution of the kind ever projected. 
The results hare fully met the expectations of its founders, and 
returns establish the fact that at least 50 per cent, of the in- 
mates of the institution are restored to useful pursuits, to soci- 
ety and to the world, through its instrumentality. 

In conclusion, my fellow citizens, I can only remark that our 
devout acknowledgments are due to the Great Disposer of all 
events — to Him who holds the destiny of nations in his 
hands, for his safe guidance, his watchful protection and his 
great deliverance of the people during the first century of our 
existence as a nation, 

Mav the same Providence on which our forefathers j) laced 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 55 

such '^firmreliance,- continue its protecting care in directin^^ 
the counsels of succeeding generations ; and may that which 
^'exalteth a nation" ever be the leading characteristic of our 
people. 




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